Diary of a Cat Mom

By Dagmar Gatell — Creator & Host of Diary of a Cat Mom

Diary of a Cat Mom is a reflective cat podcast created and hosted by Dagmar Gatell about understanding cats more deeply — and creating a calmer, more connected life for both you and your cats. Based on real experiences caring for over 50 cats throughout her life, each episode shares quiet observations, emotional moments, caregiving reflections, and gentle insights from everyday life with cats. From routines, behavior, and emotional wellbeing to grief, gratitude, overstimulation, trust, and the small meaningful moments many people overlook — this is not a traditional “how-to” podcast, but a space for understanding, awareness, and lived experience. Beyond cat care itself, Diary of a Cat Mom also explores our connection to nature, emotional presence, personal growth, and the way our inner state can influence the animals who share our lives. Because living with cats is never only about feeding and routines — it’s also about energy, safety, trust, patience, and how we show up emotionally in the spaces we create together. Created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family, this podcast offers companionship, reassurance, perspective, and emotional support during seasons of caregiving, uncertainty, healing, change, and letting go. Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal storytelling podcast and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and medical or behavioral concerns should always be discussed with a trusted veterinarian or qualified professional. You’re not alone on this journey.We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

  1. 2d ago

    Why Halloween Costumes for Cats Is Not My Nor Snow White's Thing | Ep. 144

    Listen to this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode on Halloween, recorded with Snow White curled up beside me. She has chronic upper respiratory infection issues, and on days like this she wants to be held while I massage her nose and forehead so she can breathe a little easier. Now picture me pulling a crocheted hat over her head. The one time I tried it, she shredded it to pieces, and none of my other cats will tolerate a costume either. They feel trapped, much like most cats do in a harness. My reason goes further back than my cats, though. I grew up in Germany, where families saved money with hand-me-downs, white underwear for every sibling, and grandmothers knitting and crocheting children's cloth in traditional Bavarian blue-and-white patterns with flowers. The little hats, jackets, and pullovers  were beautiful. They were also usually a size too small, made of itchy wool, and worn for two and a half hours at church on Sunday, or worse, all day at school while you tried to do math. When my friend Dawn Wiggins mentioned crocheting hats for cats on another podcast, I remembered exactly how that felt: tight, itchy, and hard to breathe in. So no, I don't crochet hats or buy Halloween costumes for cats, and I think my cats are grateful. Do your cats wear costumes or crocheted hats? Tell me how they react. What You'll Learn Why many cats feel trapped in Halloween costumes, hats and harnessesHow Snow White reacted to a crocheted hat (spoiler: she shredded it in thousands of pieces)Why a cat with breathing trouble, such as a chronic upper respiratory infection, needs comfort more than dress-upThe childhood story from Germany that shaped how I see cat costumes: hand-me-downs, white underwear, and itchy wool hats, jackets and pullovers from GrandmaWhat it actually feels like to wear something too tight and scratchy, and why your cat might feel the sameTimestamps & Chapters (00:00) – Welcome and Happy Halloween (00:09) – Snow White's chronic upper respiratory infection and her nose massages (00:27) – The crocheted hat Snow White shredded (00:40) – Why my cats feel trapped in costumes, and the harness comparison(01:08) – Growing up in Germany: hand-me-down clothes (01:49) – Why boys and girls wore the same white underwear (02:15) – Why I know how a cat in a costume feels (02:24) – Grandma's knitted and crocheted children's cloth in Bavarian patterns (02:53) – One size too small, itchy wool, and barely breathing (03:09) – Sunday church versus a whole day of school wearing tight wool cloth(03:32) – Dawn Wiggins and crocheted hats for cats (03:52) – My verdict on Halloween costumes for cats (04:02) – Do your cats like costumes? Share your story (04:11) – ClosingHealth Disclaimer This episode shares personal experiences and opinions and is not veterinary advice. If your cat has breathing difficulties, a chronic upper respiratory infection, or any other health concern, please talk to your veterinarian before trying any comfort measure at home. Never Miss an Entry Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox. Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Authority Partnership https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

  2. Oct 25

    Saying Goodbye to Your Cat – Sebastian's Story of Trust, Love & Letting Go | Ep. 143

    Listen to this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode to hear the story of Sebastian, a feral kitten born during a Florida hurricane season nearly ten years ago. Dagmar rescued his mama and three siblings, but clever little Sebastian refused the trap. It took three days of rain, thunder and lightning to bring him back to his family. That early trauma stayed with him, and he never trusted humans enough to be touched. Two weeks ago, during a routine trip for rabies shots, Dagmar noticed he had lost weight. The vet found a fever and a mass. An X-ray and ultrasound showed it was already spreading and could not be operated on. For a feral cat who had never lived indoors, there would be no quality of life. In his final moments, Sebastian did something he had never done in ten years: he leaned into Dagmar's arms and let her hold him. This episode is about grief, guilt, and the gift of being fully present when you say goodbye to your cat. What You'll Learn: How to recognize subtle signs a cat may be sick, like weight loss and eating lessWhy feral and community cats often hide pain and illnessWhat happens at a senior wellness exam, X-ray and ultrasound when a mass is foundHow vets weigh quality of life when recommending euthanasiaHow to handle guilt after losing a rescue cat you couldn't fully helpWhy being fully present in your cat's last moments matters so muchHow to cherish everyday moments with your cat before it's time to say goodbyeTimestamps & Chapters (12:48): (00:00) Intro(00:14) Welcome & Sebastian's story begins(00:25) Born feral during Florida hurricane season(00:44) Three days in the storm: the kitten who outsmarted the trap(01:18) How early trauma made him skittish for life(01:34) Life in the cat community: the cat who never came close(02:25) Rabies shot day: noticing weight loss(03:33) At the vet: weight loss and a fever(03:56) Wellness exam and X-ray reveal a mass(05:06) Ultrasound & planning for an indoor recovery(06:23) The phone call: the mass is spreading(07:19) Quality of life for feral cats(08:05) Carrying guilt for a lost chance at trust(09:01) Last moments: choosing love over tears(09:57) Sebastian finally leans in(10:42) The lesson: be fully present when saying goodbye(11:46) Stop and pet your cat(12:10) Share your goodbye stories(12:23) ClosingHealth Disclaimer: This episode shares a personal experience and is for informational and emotional support purposes only. It is not veterinary advice. If your cat shows signs of illness such as weight loss, fever or not eating, please contact your veterinarian. Decisions about treatment and euthanasia should always be made with a licensed veterinarian. Never Miss an Entry Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox. Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Authority Partnership https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

  3. Oct 15

    Life After Divorce & Cats: Grief, Guilt & Healing for Cat Moms with Dawn Wiggins | Ep. 142

    Listen to this episode if you've ever cried harder over your cat than over your marriage. When a divorce reorganizes every corner of your life, your cat is often the one steady heartbeat left in the house. And when that cat stays with your ex, gets sick, or keeps reminding you of the life you lost, the grief can feel bigger than anyone around you understands. In Episode 142 of Diary of a Cat Mom, Dagmar sits down with her longtime friend Dawn Wiggins, therapist, divorce recovery coach, integrative healer, and host of the Dear Divorce Diary podcast. They first recorded together back in 2015, and this conversation feels like two friends who have both walked through divorce with cats by their side. Dagmar opens up about the relationship where her ex kept their cat, the hours of crying that followed, and the surprising thing that happened the moment she let go. Dawn shares how her pets kept her from feeling unmoored after her own divorce, why she checked behind every shower curtain with her "squad" at night, and why grief was never meant to be done alone. If you're a cat mom rebuilding after divorce, this episode is a warm, honest reminder that your love for your cat is real, your grief is valid, and your healing can start with something as simple as sitting still and breathing with your kitty. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode Why losing a cat, or being left alone with one, can hurt more than the divorce itselfHow to respond (or not) when someone says "it's just a pet"Where the line sits between leaning on your cat for comfort and hiding from lifeHow caring for cats gives structure and purpose when your old role disappearsWays to make a quiet house feel less lonely at night, on weekends, and on holidaysHow to grieve a cat who is still alive but now lives with your exHow to work through guilt, spite, and power struggles over pet custodyWhether visitation with a shared cat helps you heal or keeps you stuckHow to introduce a new partner to your cat, and what his reaction tells youOne simple co-regulation practice to do with your cat this weekTimestamps & Chapters 00:00 Welcome: Life After Divorce and Cats with Dawn Wiggins00:52 Why losing a cat after divorce hits so hard01:35 Grieving the cat more than the marriage06:40 When people say "it's just a pet"12:17 Leaning on your cat for emotional support vs. hiding from life17:04 Cats as structure and purpose after divorce18:46 Coming home to a quiet house22:41 When your cat reminds you of your ex25:04 Coping with a senior or sick cat during divorce grief28:44 Grieving a cat who lives with your ex34:11 Guilt and letting go of what you can't control36:46 When your ex keeps the cat out of spite38:52 Pet visitation: healing or staying stuck?40:47 Information vs. integration: why support groups matter44:13 Dating again and introducing a new partner to your cat47:05 One thing to do this week: breathe with your cat48:56 What your cat bond teaches you about your next chapter51:07 How to connect with Dawn WigginsGuest Bio Dawn Wiggins is a therapist, divorce recovery coach, and integrative healer, and the host of the Dear Divorce Diary podcast. She helps women move through the grief, codependency, and attachment wounds that follow divorce, and guides them toward a secure, whole relationship with themselves, their community, and their support system, including through her 12-month group program. Connect with Dawn on Instagram at @dawnwiggins, on Dear Divorce Diary wherever you stream podcasts, or at mycoachdawn.com. Guest Disclaimer The views, opinions, and statements expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Diary of a Cat Mom or its host. Guests are solely responsible for the accuracy and content of their contributions. Health Disclaimer This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, veterinary, psychological, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian about your cat's health and a licensed professional about your own mental health or legal situation. If you are in crisis, please contact a local emergency service or crisis line. Never Miss an Entry Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox. Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Authority Partnership https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

    Life After Divorce & Cats: Grief, Guilt & Healing for Cat Moms with Dawn Wiggins | Ep. 142
  4. Oct 1

    How Has Cat Care Changed Since the 1970s? A German Childhood Memory | Ep. 141

    Listen to this episode to hear the day a five-year-old girl in a small German village learned where kittens went. Her father told her they "went to heaven." The next morning, she and her little sister climbed onto a box, lifted the lid of the green water barrel behind the house, and looked inside to see what heaven looked like. In this very personal episode of Diary of a Cat Mom, Dagmar looks back fifty years to a time when cats were rodent control rather than family. They ate leftover potatoes and meat scraps, slept under the front staircase in winter, and never saw a vet. Spaying, neutering, vaccines, and parasite control didn't exist in her village. Unwanted litters were expected, and they were handled in a way that stayed with her for life. Dagmar talks about how cat care has changed since then: spay and neuter programs, TNR, the animal welfare movement, affordable vet care, and the cultural shift that moved cats from the barn into our beds and family photos. She also shares what that childhood memory taught her about how close life and death are, and why she now stops to pet her cat. What You'll Learn: What cat care looked like in rural Germany in the 1970s, including food, shelter, and medical careWhy cats were once treated as working animals rather than petsHow unwanted litters were handled before spay and neuter was commonThe role of spay/neuter, TNR, and the animal welfare movement in changing cats' livesHow economics, urbanization, and cultural change turned cats into family membersHow to look back at the choices of past generations with honesty and compassionTimestamps & Chapters:  (00:00) Introduction: kittens, heaven, and the water barrel (00:30) Cats as function, not family (01:25) Table scraps and winter shelter under the stairs (02:40) No vets, no vaccines, no parasite control (03:35) Short lives that nobody noticed (03:55) The water barrel memory (05:00) Two little girls looking for heaven (05:50) Why adults called it "heaven" (06:30) Life and death, right next to each other (07:05) What changed: spay/neuter, TNR, and animal welfare (07:35) Economy, urbanization, and cats moving indoors (08:10) Vet care is now the default (08:35) Then vs. now: from part of the scenery to family (09:15) What I'd tell my younger self (09:40) Share your then-vs-now pet story and goodbyeNever Miss an Entry Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox. Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Authority Partnership https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

  5. Sep 22

    From Stray to Stay: Cat Adoption, Fostering & Shelter Help with Sean-Patrick Malloy | Ep. 140

    Listen to this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode and picture a scared little kitten hiding at the back of a shelter room, refusing to come out. Then picture a quiet check-in, a covered bed, and a little patience, until a sassy, cuddly personality shows up. That is a normal day for Sean-Patrick Malloy, Behavior and Enrichment Specialist at the SPCA Finger Lakes. In this interview, host Dagmar sits down with Sean-Patrick for a practical, heartfelt guide to helping animals. It covers five segments: getting to know your local shelter, adoption, fostering, volunteering, and donations. You'll hear how to read your cat's emotions, what to do when you find a stray, how to pick the right cat for your home, and how to make your shelter donations count. What You'll Learn What a shelter behavior and enrichment specialist does, and why emotional enrichment matters for catsEssential cat products: breakaway collars, ID tags, interactive toys, and a variety of scratching postsWhy microchipping matters and how to keep your registration info currentHow spay/neuter affects cat behavior and health, and where to find low-cost optionsWhat to do if you find a stray, and how to check for a microchipHow to report suspected animal abuse, and why photo or video evidence carries weightHow to prepare your home before adopting, and why you should meet every cat before choosingHow shelter adoption processes and fees workWhat foster-to-adopt means, and which animals need foster homes mostHow to volunteer, even if you don't want to walk dogsWhat shelters need most, and what not to donateTimestamps & Chapters (final edit, 57:24) (00:00) Intro: From Stray to Stay(00:16) What a Behavior & Enrichment Specialist Does(04:12) Why Cat Parents Should Learn Cat Behavior(06:42) Segment 1: Must-Have Pet Products (Collars, Toys & Scratchers)(08:36) Microchipping & Updating Your Info(11:00) Spay/Neuter: Health, Behavior & How Fast Cats Multiply(15:23) Found a Stray? What to Do (and How to Check for a Microchip)(18:49) Reporting Animal Abuse Anonymously(20:29) Segment 2: Why Adopt from a Shelter & How to Prepare(26:45) How the Adoption Process & Fees Work(29:35) Picking the Right Cat (Including Multi-Cat Homes)(34:42) Segment 3: Foster-to-Adopt Explained(37:53) Fostering Requirements & Who Needs Fosters Most(44:40) Segment 4: Volunteering (Cats, Dogs & the Barn)(47:55) Segment 5: Donations, What Shelters Need & What to Skip(55:26) Where to Connect & Sean-Patrick's MessagePodcast Guest: Sean-Patrick Malloy, Behavior & Enrichment Specialist at Finger Lakes SPCA, https://www.fingerlakesspca.org/ Reach Sean-Patrick at sean-patrick@fingerlakesspca.org. Disclaimer: The guest, Sean-Patrick Malloy, Finger Lakes SPCA, is solely responsible for the content, opinions, and advice he shares in this episode. This episode is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Never Miss an Entry Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox. Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Authority Partnership https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

    From Stray to Stay: Cat Adoption, Fostering & Shelter Help with Sean-Patrick Malloy | Ep. 140
  6. Sep 16

    Divorce: What Happens to the Cat Left Behind? | Ela's Story | Ep. 139

    Listen to this episode to meet Ela, a huge orange Maine Coon who came into Dagmar's life after his owners' divorce and Ela stayed with the ex-husband. When the marriage ended, there were three cats to split up — and Ela was the one left behind. Found on a Florida porch with a moldy water bowl, an empty food dish, and fur so matted it needed serious care, Ela was anxious, constantly bolting for the door, and desperate to run away. In this episode, Dagmar shares how patience, brushing, safe walks, and a stable home slowly turned a terrified escape artist into one of the calmest cats in her house — one who became an unexpected source of comfort for her other kitties. It's a story about what divorce and separation can mean for the pets who don't get a vote in the decision, and what it takes to help them feel safe again. What You'll Learn How a divorce can upend a cat's entire world — home, people, routines, and even other pets — all at onceWhy cats left behind after a separation may show anxiety, flight behavior, or repeated attempts to escapeHow consistency, patience, and safe outdoor time helped an anxious cat settle inWhy a cat who needed comfort himself became a source of comfort for other cats in the homeA gentle reminder to consider pets as part of the emotional picture when relationships endTimestamps & Chapters (6:21) (00:00) Introduction: What happens to cats when people divorce?(00:28) Meet Ela, the Maine Coon left behind after a divorce(01:10) Life on the porch from a cat's perspective(01:50) Ela's anxiety: bolting for the door and running away(02:35) Bringing Ela home: brushing, food, water, and safety(03:15) Ela becomes emotional support for Dagmar's other cats(04:05) Safe outdoor walks and Ela's transformation(04:35) What divorce really means from a cat's perspective(05:25) The lesson Ela taught: presence over answers(06:00) Closing question for listeners and sign-offNever Miss an Entry Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox. Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Authority Partnership https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

  7. Sep 13

    Can You Trust the Cat Expert You See on Social Media? | Ep. 138

    Listen to this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast after Dagmar went looking for cat care podcast guests and instead found a mystery. Several "cat expert" accounts kept showing up in her research, confident hosts in nurse and doctor uniforms, professional-looking sets, cats in cozy kitchens and sunny porches. But the closer she looked, the stranger it got: environments that flipped mid-video, hosts who changed appearance between clips, health books with no author name, no credentials, and no way to verify a single claim. In this episode, Dagmar walks through exactly what she noticed, why AI-generated "experts" are becoming harder to spot, and the simple questions every cat parent should ask before trusting advice that could affect their cat's health. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Why AI-generated "experts" can look and sound completely convincingThe red flags Dagmar spotted in the videos and websites she researched (inconsistent settings, changing hosts, missing credentials)Why having "no name" and "no contact info" behind cat health advice is a major warning signHow relying on quick AI answers can quietly weaken our critical thinkingThe key questions to ask before trusting any online cat care sourceWhy online information should never replace a real veterinarianTimestamps & Chapters 00:00 – Can we trust cat experts on social media?00:20 – Researching podcast guests and finding red flags00:55 – AI-generated hosts, cats, and environments that don't add up1:35 – No name, no credentials, no contact info on their websites2:10 – How AI creates convincing "experts" — uniforms, confidence, believable sets2:35 – How relying on instant AI answers changes how we think3:15 – Bringing back critical thinking: the questions to ask3:55 – Trusted cat care books worth reading (The New Natural Cat, Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Decoding Your Cat)4:35 – Why books and AI still don't replace your vet5:00 – Final thoughts and a question for listenersNever Miss an Entry Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox. Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Authority Partnership https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

  8. Sep 9

    Why Cat Happiness Starts With a Calm Home | Calming a Sick or Anxious Cat Naturally | Ep. 137

    Listen to this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast to learn why cat happiness starts with a calm home. A calm cat parent helps create a calm, happy cat — especially when a cat is sick or anxious. Dagmar has cared for over fifty cats during her lifetime. She explains how a cat's nervous system mirrors the energy of their cat parent or in its home environment. Dagmar shares natural tools like 528 Hz music containing cat purring sounds, singing bowls, and catnip that may help a cat relax. Always check with your vet first. The cat podcast episode was inspired by a real conversation. A friend's cat was recently diagnosed with a mass and given only two or three months to live. As the cat refused medicine and food, his anxiety grew — and so did the cat mom's. That moment became the spark for this episode's core message: our cats feel what we feel, and staying calm ourselves may be one of the most meaningful things we can do for our furry babies. What You'll Learn: Why cats act as emotional "mirrors" of their cat parents and home environmentHow a dysregulated nervous system in humans can increase anxiety in catsNatural tools that may help support a calm, relaxed cat (music frequencies, singing bowls, catnip)Why staying calm matters even more when a cat is sick or agingThe difference between supporting your cat and projecting anticipatory grief onto themWhy every vet consultation matters before trying new calming methodsTimestamps & Chapters (4:13 total): 0:00 – Introduction: Cat happiness starts with a calm home0:20 – A friend's story: a cat diagnosed with a mass0:48 – When medicine and mealtime become a struggle1:10 – The connection between a calm home and a calm cat1:35 – How stress, traffic, and daily frustration follow us home1:58 – "Kitties are our mirror": how cats reflect our nervous system2:25 – Natural calming tools: 528 Hz music, purrs, and singing bowls2:50 – Using high-quality catnip to help a sick cat relax (always check with your vet)3:15 – The real work: staying calm and loving through illness3:35 – Are we grieving a loss that hasn't happened yet?3:50 – Final reflection and listener question4:05 – Outro: See you at the next entryNever Miss an Entry Subscribe to Diary of a Cat Mom on Substack for weekly episodes — real talk, real life, real cats — delivered straight to your inbox. Diary of a Cat Mom is a gentle, diary-style cat podcast about everyday life with cats—created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family. Resources for Cat Parents Everything I use for my cats is here: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom, not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, always consult your trusted veterinarian. Connect with Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents and build trust in your brand. → Learn More About Authority Partnership https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-authority-partnership

About

Diary of a Cat Mom is a reflective cat podcast created and hosted by Dagmar Gatell about understanding cats more deeply — and creating a calmer, more connected life for both you and your cats. Based on real experiences caring for over 50 cats throughout her life, each episode shares quiet observations, emotional moments, caregiving reflections, and gentle insights from everyday life with cats. From routines, behavior, and emotional wellbeing to grief, gratitude, overstimulation, trust, and the small meaningful moments many people overlook — this is not a traditional “how-to” podcast, but a space for understanding, awareness, and lived experience. Beyond cat care itself, Diary of a Cat Mom also explores our connection to nature, emotional presence, personal growth, and the way our inner state can influence the animals who share our lives. Because living with cats is never only about feeding and routines — it’s also about energy, safety, trust, patience, and how we show up emotionally in the spaces we create together. Created especially for cat moms 35+ in multi‑cat homes who see their cats as family, this podcast offers companionship, reassurance, perspective, and emotional support during seasons of caregiving, uncertainty, healing, change, and letting go. Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal storytelling podcast and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and medical or behavioral concerns should always be discussed with a trusted veterinarian or qualified professional. You’re not alone on this journey.We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.